Leadership Add-On to E.D. in Leadership

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If you read my last post about my district's pay policy for administrators NOT really supporting the decision to advance in the profession by seeking a doctorate degree, you may have found yourself in the same boat as myself, wondering whether such a huge investment is worthwhile. Well, if you also happened to revisit that thread and read my latest contribution, I realized that such a momentous decision has to be intrinsically driven, regardless of any potential financial benefits. Salaries get raised and cut, policies change back and forth, but the degree is about personal and professional growth, contributing to the profession, and the hope of opening up greater opportunity for yourself in the future. Now with that being said, here's the very positive news that I referred to in my last comment (Note: this only applies to certification only (Add-on) folks...sorry).
Apparently there is a little bit of a difference between the Leadership Add-on (Certification-Only) and Leader-Level degrees (i.e. Ed.S. in Leadership).  I have been researching all of this lately because I would very much like to go on and pursue an Ed.D. in Leadership. Well it's been less than a week ago now since I received confirmation from the GaPSC that, due to the way the current policy is written, there's somewhat of a loophole for me, as well as many of you. If you are currently enrolled in a PSC approved certification-only program, and then you complete a doctoral program in Leadership at an approved school, it is considered an in-field upgrade and you will be eligible to be paid at the T-7 level regardless of what position you're in.  I realize that most of you are already assistant principals or in other administrative roles, so this doesn't affect you. However, most people understand the policy as "If you have a leadership degree, you have to be in a leadership position to be paid for it"...and that's true for the most part, except for the scenario I just described.

So basically, if you are an add-on student, AND you're interested in pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership, BUT you were hesitant to take that step because you thought you'd have to be an AP or principal to get paid for your degree, then you might appreciate this bit of news. You can feel good about the fact that your intrinsic desire to learn and achieve is not at odds with sound economic judgement. Anyway, just thought I'd share what I learned and hope some of you find it helpful. Good luck!

 P.S. - If you're in your last semester, don't forget to register for the GACE

Comments

  1. Phyllis FavorsMarch 12, 2016 at 8:55 PM

    Charlie, thank you so very much for this information. There has been so much talk about this topic at school. These teachers will surely appreciate the fact in knowing that they will be eligible to be paid at the T-7 level regardless of the position they teach. Great news to share!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Phyllis FavorsMarch 12, 2016 at 8:56 PM

    Charlie, thank you so very much for this information. There has been so much talk about this topic at school. These teachers will surely appreciate the fact in knowing that they will be eligible to be paid at the T-7 level regardless of the position they teach. Great news to share!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 14, 2016 at 5:55 AM

    Charlie this AWESOME news. Thanks for your diligence in seeking needed information!

    ReplyDelete
  4. TraciMarch 15, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    Thank you for the clarification, but I am wondering if getting a doctorate in a field I received the add on in is overkill. Of course, if it is the only way I can be paid at the T-7 level, I am all in

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownMarch 15, 2016 at 12:33 PM

    Another consideration is that some of your classes (at least 2) from the add-on will transfer towards to EdD, so even though the duration of the cohort will be the same (3 years), the workload and tuition bill will be a little lighter. Every little bit helps!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Joe GambleMarch 20, 2016 at 3:18 AM

    Thanks Charlie!

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownMarch 22, 2016 at 7:57 AM

    Thanks for the clarification on this information. This has been so confusing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownMay 1, 2016 at 3:14 AM

    Great information Charlie! Good luck to you!

    ReplyDelete

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